Javier
Muñoz’s passion for the stage has spanned many years and cities. His
love of theatre began in high school during a production of The King and
I in Brooklyn, New York. His passion for acting only grew when he was
signed by an agent before his high school graduation, leading him to
enroll in NYU's Tisch School for the Arts. Not a stranger to hard work,
Muñoz participated in the AmeriCorps work study program, which allowed
him to pay his way through college.
Through AmeriCorps, Muñoz taught theater in community programs and
schools throughout New York City. Muñoz became the first person in his
family to graduate from college, and was also one of two honorees to
receive the Community Service Award upon his graduation from Tisch. Also
during this time, Muñoz worked closely with the non-profit
organization, Children & The Classics, which taught literacy in
schools throughout New York City. Muñoz performed in various regional
theater projects, including The Porch (Ziad) at Altered Stages; Venice
(Venice) at Center Theatre Group; Two Gentlemen of Verona (a rock opera)
(Proteus) at Shakespeare Theatre of DC; Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s
Richard III (Dorset) and Into The Woods (The Baker).
In 2005, Muñoz auditioned for Lin-Manuel Miranda, writer, composer and
star of the Tony-winning hit In The Heights. Miranda chose Muñoz as his
understudy in the role of Usnavi, which Muñoz later assumed full time
upon Miranda's departure. When Miranda began writing the Tony- and
Pulitzer Prize-winning smash Hamilton, Muñoz was an active part of the
musical's early development and creation. They developed the role of
Alexander Hamilton together, and Muñoz served as Miranda's alternate at
the Public Theater off-Broadway debut in 2015, as well as throughout
the Broadway engagement. On July 11, 2016, Muñoz assumed the title
role of Alexander Hamilton full-time on Broadway. Ben Brantley of The
New York Times has said that Muñoz’s performance maintains “the balance
of a revolutionary show about a revolutionary era that seems better
every time I see it," adding, "his Hamilton is sexy with his penetrating
stare and Don Juan smile. When he's courting the ladies and other
characters describe him as a tomcat, you know exactly what they mean."
Muñoz currently resides in New York City.
Javier Muñoz will receive the HOLA and R.Evolución Latina Dare To Go Beyond Award at the 2016 HOLA Awards on Wednesday, November 2, 2016. For more information, click here.
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